Guest pam hancox Posted March 13, 2006 Share Posted March 13, 2006 hi has anyone got a 12 volt exterior socket fitted if so how much was it and by whom. we are looking at extras we want for new van and think this would be a good idea as we intend to wild camp with a solar system, and this would enable an outside light not just an awning light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Clive Posted March 13, 2006 Share Posted March 13, 2006 If you fit a 12 volt socket in the same locker as the battery and mains hookup point then the socket does not need to be totally waterproof. However you then have the oportunity of running any outgoing 12 volt lead along the same route as the mains hook-up lead would use, through that slot at the bottom of the locker door. What you use for the connector is up to you but most 12 volt accessories come with a cigarette lighter adaptor fitted. Sockets for these can be purchased from Halfords for example. If you don,t want to use a fag lighter then the old 5 amp round pin mains connectors are quite durable and easy to terminate. I have a 12 volt connector inside a cupboard near the water filling point. When we have set up camp and need water I tend to collect it in a large (and heavy) plastic jerry can conveying it on a small shopping trolley towed behind a Monkey bike. (stop laughing!!) To transfer the water to the van I use a small subersible 12 volt pump that plugs into the socket in the adjacent cupboard. Food for thought? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pam hancox Posted March 14, 2006 Share Posted March 14, 2006 thank you for your response and yes has now given us food for thought, ps do you have photos of said monkey bike, as i feel many other mmm readers may enjoy such a view, only joking again thanks pam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Clive Posted March 14, 2006 Share Posted March 14, 2006 Yes. Have a look at www.motts.dsl.pipex.com/Motorcycles.htm Its about half way down the page, but not with the trailer. Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mel B Posted March 14, 2006 Share Posted March 14, 2006 Clive Don't suppose you were drinking PG tips by any chance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Clive Posted March 14, 2006 Share Posted March 14, 2006 More likely Tesco own brand extra strong! But they are great fun Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Brian Kirby Posted March 14, 2006 Share Posted March 14, 2006 Pam Not all motorhomes will have the necessary externally accessible battery locker for Clive's idea. If you live anywhere near the coast there are some very good totally waterproof 12V plugs/sockets available from ship's (small boat) chandlers. They cost a bit more then the usual caravan 12V jobs, but being intended for marine use, they are pretty well bomb proof. You should install a fuse at the connection point to the 12V system, or (preferably) use a spare fuse on your main 12V fuseboard if available. Remember, the fuse is to protect all the wiring between the battery and the socket. You must therefore be careful in selecting your connection point. The whole of the circuitry between the battery and the socket must be able to sustain the whole load connected to it, it's no good just fusing for the bit between the socket and the connection point. The danger is a cable fire, so proceed with caution! A 20W halogen / 25W tungsten light will need, say, a 3A fuse if you connect directly (via a fuse) to the battery. Remember though, if once you've got your socket you decide to plug in something that consumes more power that a light, you'll need a higher rated fuse and a heavier connecting cable as well. Therefore, it's best to decide all the options before you start installing. Can't advise on cables, the appropriate gauge depends on how large a load is to be connected and how long the cable run is. If you can confirm these facts, I'm sure others (the clever ones who know!) will be able to advise appropriate cable gauge. Hope this helps Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Clive Posted March 14, 2006 Share Posted March 14, 2006 Agree with Brian, Our previous home converted coach was fitted out with boat fittings, presurised water system, cooker, fridge etc. But it was Bedford Duple Vista Coach that was the base. On a purpose built motorhome however you have to keep one eye on the weight. But a plug and socket should make little difference. Its nice looking round ships chandlers anyway. Whatever you do keep the wire runs short. If you need length then use cable with a much higher current rating than you actually require to minimise the volt drop. eg you want 10 amps? use 6 mm sq cable if its over 2 metres long. One reason for having an external DC outlet is to power the 12 volt pump you purchased because it looked like a "good idea" at the time. These take a good few amps and fat cables are necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Clive Posted March 15, 2006 Share Posted March 15, 2006 Totally off thread but Ships Chandlers are a very good place for picking up STAINLESS STEEL nuts, bolts and screws. Use these on the outside of your Motorhome and you know it will never get rusty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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